A BLESSING ON THREE LEGS

"He is most assuredly a blessing to me." — Lisé Everly

Benny arrived at Animal Care & Protective Services with an injury that required the amputation of one of his legs.

According to his owner, Lisé Everly, a year earlier he likely would have been euthanized because of the medical expense. Instead, he was transferred to Jacksonville Humane Society, where funding was available for the surgery he needed.

Three days after his operation, Benny went home with Lisé.

The shelter had named him Benny. Although she briefly considered changing it, Lisé decided to keep the name after remembering that the Latin word Benedictus means "blessing."

The name stayed.

So did Benny.

Adopted in 2014, Benny has spent the past 12 years sharing his gentle nature with everyone he meets. He loves people and other animals, and has a special fondness for puppies and young children. According to Lisé, even small female dogs that can be aggressive with other dogs seem to love him.

When Benny and Lisé lived next door to St. Vincent's Medical Center, he became known for cheering patients. Today, at 14 years young, one of his favorite places is the beach, where he greets everyone he meets and charges through the sand like a three-wheeled plow.

Benny is also known as the Face of No Kill Jax. Over the years, he has helped raise thousands of dollars at Jacksonville Humane Society fundraisers and remains, in Lisé's words, proud to be a Jacksonville Humane Society alum.

His story began with a second chance.

What followed was a life filled with friendship, purpose and joy.

To Lisé, Benny has always been exactly what his name means:

A blessing.